First Year Experience

During the first month of classes each school hosts a "Meet Your Major" meeting for the first year students. The purpose of these meetings is to introduce first year students to their major department faculty, review department goals and expectations, and inform students about exciting opportunities in their selected program of studies. 

The First Year Seminar (FYS) course at Lasell University aims to equip students with essential skills for academic success and personal well-being. Students will engage in effective goal-setting and time management, practice strategies for maintaining overall wellness, and develop problem-solving and self-advocacy skills. The course fosters collaboration, communication, and cultural competence, encouraging the development of a growth mindset. Additionally, students will learn to understand diverse perspectives, engage in ethical decision-making, and participate actively in local and global communities.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in using digital platforms to manage coursework, communicate with faculty, access campus resources, and effectively navigate and utilize these resources to enhance their university experience.
  
  
• Work effectively in teams, communicate clearly, build strong, collaborative relationships with peers, and engage respectfully and empathetically with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  Demonstrate a growth mindset by embracing challenges, learning from feedback, and persisting through setbacks.
  
  
• Manage their time efficiently, set achievable goals, and stay organized in their academic and personal lives.
  
  
• Adopt habits that contribute to their overall well-being, including stress management and healthy lifestyle choices.
  
  
• Effectively solve problems and seek assistance when needed, enhancing their ability to navigate academic and personal challenges.

Course outcomes are accomplished through engaging activities including reading, writing, class discussions, presentations, collaborative activities, field trips, service learning, and exploration of campus resources. At the same time, students connect to the experiences and people that make up the Lasell University community.

Peer mentors are an integral component of the First Year Seminar (FYS) and Honors 101 experience. Peer mentors are upper class students who co-facilitate FYS classes with faculty, and serve as role models for students adjusting to academic and social demands of college life. In addition to working within the classroom setting, peer mentors meet formally and informally with students outside of class to discuss class assignments and other relevant issues. Peer mentors attempt to establish relationships with their mentees very early on in the first semester and will continue to serve as a student mentor throughout their mentees' first year.

Peer mentors are nominated by faculty and staff based on their academic achievements, level of maturity, trustworthiness, responsibility, and interpersonal skills. Peer mentors complete a leadership training program prior to serving in a FYS/HON101 class.

Students who have taken FYS/HON101 report that peer mentors provide a unique benefit to the course. They find peer mentors to be especially helpful in the transition to college, reporting that peer mentors are able to bring the student perspective and first-hand knowledge about the challenges new students face when arriving at college.

The peer mentors' role is to:

• Link students to Lasell University services
• Introduce students to Lasell University activities, clubs and organizations
• Teach and model successful student practices such as balancing academic and social demands, engaging with faculty and resources such as academic advising and the Academic Achievement Center